Clock

Alright, so I've got a beyond shitty ATI Radeon X1300 Pro 256MB card in my Optiplex 745 that is crashing whenever I try to play CoD4 (At minimum settings + 640x480). I can't shell out money for a new computer (Custom or not), so I have to settle for a new video card. I'd like suggestions for something that can run at least CoD4 at high settings at 1280x1024 with >50FPS.

Also, a lot of cards are out of the question due to the size of the tower, being this small. Even AGP suggestions are acceptable (Desperation lol).

Reason for wanting the card instead of uninstalling: Want to try map and weapon modding.

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oneinchwunda

Budget and current system specs (processor most importantly) pl0x?

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Clock

I have about $400.

Processor is an OC 2.6GHz Core 2 Duo, and that's all I can really remember, I'm not at the house with that computer so it's off my memory.

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oneinchwunda

2.6GHz could mean a E4700, or possibly an E6750 (more likely this). UNLESS you mean that it has been OC'ed to 2.6GHz, in which case, it could be anything. Either way, it will be more than capable of playing COD4 very well without bottlenecking.

$400 is quite a bit of money. Saving up another $100/200 would get you a VERY competent gaming PC, if you are willing to build yourself, acquire an OS and already have a monitor/keyboard etc.

If you really don't want to upgrade, then I would suggest something cheap/old as a "stop-gap" card. Something like a 4670 would actually be a VERY significant upgrade on your system. The reason I recommend this is that the card only draws power from the motherboard, and hence requires no PSU upgrade. It is obviously not the most powerful, but would run COD4 on high settings with 60+FPS (although maybe not with 4xAA).

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Clock

I have a 4670 in my iMac, it's a very good card, so I might settle for that.

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abc

Step 0) Current card may just be overheating due to a build up of dust. Either make every reasonable effort to solve the issue free-of-charge or, if you've got a lil spare money and definitely decided you want to enjoy the game more with much better visuals, skip to step "1."
Step 1) Identify whether you need a PCIe or AGP graphics card.
Step 2) Find some "low profile" ATI cards (so that they physically fit)
Step 3) Identify whether you'd rather pay for a HD4650 or a HD4670. No faster cards, irrespective of price, can be considered due to power constraints. The 4650 is so cheap and such good value there is no reason to buy anything that will drastically slower for the sake of saving $30.

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"I don't like new Linkin Park, I don't like old Linkin Park... I JUST LIKE LINKIN PARK"

COD owner - COD expansion pack owner - COD2 owner - COD2: BRO player - COD3 owner - COD4 owner - COD:WaW owner - COD: MW2 owner - COD: BO owner

This is getting repetitive.

Clock

I did notice some buildup of dust and I did clear it, but it still crashed. The computer has PCIe and AGP slots so anything goes, I might look to see if there're low profile versions of the 4650.

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abc

PCIe no question whatsoever.

There are plenty of low-profile 4650/4670s around. In general I always try to recommend products that exist.

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"I don't like new Linkin Park, I don't like old Linkin Park... I JUST LIKE LINKIN PARK"

COD owner - COD expansion pack owner - COD2 owner - COD2: BRO player - COD3 owner - COD4 owner - COD:WaW owner - COD: MW2 owner - COD: BO owner

This is getting repetitive.